A new survey from Hays Ireland reveals that 65% of Irish employees frequently experience imposter syndrome — the feeling of self-doubt about their expertise or suitability for their job.
Notably, over half of those respondents are millennials and Generation X employees, indicating that even more seasoned professionals are also experiencing it. Meanwhile, 35% of employees report never having experienced imposter syndrome.
With recent graduates and career changers, many new employees bring fresh perspectives, but may struggle with confidence due to limited professional experience. Imposter syndrome is not confined to one demographic—it spans industries, ages, and job levels.
Job market shifts
Employee mobility remains a key trend, with almost half of Irish employees (49%) planning to change organisations in the next six months, showing a slight increase from 45% in 2024. Among employees aged 40 to 50 years plus, 24% plan to change into a new role, driven primarily by salary concerns and a perceived lack of future career opportunities.
In the past six months, 20% of employees have already switched jobs. Of those, almost half of respondents are aged between 40 to 50 years plus. This suggests that mid-to-late career professionals are increasingly open to making career moves, challenging the traditional notion of job stability at this stage in life.
Hybrid dynamics
Hybrid work continues to shape workplace dynamics, with employees offering mixed opinions on its long-term impact. While 53% report no change in their career development due to hybrid working, millennials are the most optimistic, with 30% stating it has positively influenced their career progression and upskilling opportunities. In contrast, only 5% of millennial employees believe hybrid work has negatively affected their careers.
For employees aged 50+, only 18% say hybrid work has had no impact — whether positive or negative. Despite different views on career impact, productivity remains a strong argument for flexible work models, as 81% of employees report efficiency when working from home.
Resistance to returning to the office is also notable. More than half (52%) of employees say they would consider leaving their job if forced to return to the office full-time. Millennials and Generation X workers are the most likely to express this sentiment, reinforcing the demand for continued workplace flexibility.
AI slow and steady integration
The integration of AI tools is becoming increasingly common, with 33% of employees reporting the usage of AI in their roles.
A significant 67% of employees have yet to incorporate AI into their daily work, and 83% report receiving no training or support from their organisations to help them adopt AI effectively. Despite this, there is strong interest in upskilling, with employees expressing a desire to learn how AI can enhance their roles.
Managing Director of Hays Ireland, Maureen Lynch, says:
“As we navigate a period of global uncertainty, the Irish workforce is at a pivotal moment, reflecting both local and international trends. Challenges such as imposter syndrome are increasingly common, yet they also represent a workforce that is ambitious and eager to grow. To guide employees through self-doubt and unlock their full potential, organisations must foster a supportive environment – one that prioritises open communications and offers practical resources like mentorship and coaching to help professionals thrive.
“Career mobility is an emerging trend that presents new opportunities. For employers, this is a chance to engage and retain talent by investing in meaningful career progressions and skills development. Ireland has long been a hub of adaptability and resilience, and with the right talent, both employers and employees can transform challenges into opportunities for long-term success.”
